FAQ

Clark School is unique in that we work with students who have learning differences (dyslexia, high functioning autism, executive functioning, processing delay , etc…), as well as academically average students, gifted or accelerated students, and students who play sports or have careers and utilize our online classrooms. We also accept students on IEPs and/or Neuropsychs and 504 plans. At Clark, we are an open and accepting community where students and staff have mutual respect for one another.

Class sizes do not exceed 16 students per class, with one teacher and one learning center support staff member per group. On average a 7.5 to 1 student teacher ratio.

All of our teachers hold Bachelor’s Degrees or higher. At Clark, we look for teachers who are flexible, patient and able to switch gears to accommodate the many learning styles of students.

Yes. You can learn more about the District Outplacement Process at Clark School through our Outplacement Packet.

Yes - If your child can’t be at school every day, Clark has a plan for you. Whether a student is managing anxiety, school refusal, medical needs or hospitalization, distance from campus, or other circumstances, we partner closely with families to create a plan that supports both learning and well-being. Clark’s remote program is intentionally built to mirror the classroom experience, offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Learn more here.

Classes begin each day at 8:15am, and students are expected to be in the building no later than 8:10am. Students may arrive as early as 7:45am. Students are dismissed each day on a staggered schedule starting at 3:00pm for Grades K-5. Grades 6-12 are dismissed at 3:15pm. After Care is available for an additional cost, Mon-Fri until 5pm. Clark Preschool is 7:30am-5:15pm daily.

Clark School is similar to the public school calendar through the New Year. However, instead of a week-long break each in February and April, Clark has one two-week break in March.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 enjoy up to 30 minutes of recess everyday. High School students do not have a formal “recess” period, but instead have 45 minutes to an hour for their lunch/break period.

Clark School is an independent school and does not teach to or administer the MCAS test.

A Shadow Day is meant to give prospective students a look into a “typical” school day. Your child will “shadow” or be partnered with someone already enrolled at Clark who may have similar interests. Teachers will invite your child to participate in the classroom as if they were enrolled. This day will give the Admissions team and parents a good sense of whether Clark is the right fit for their student.

Clark School families primarily live on the North Shore and in the Merrimack Valley (Amesbury, Ipswich, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimack, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury, Wenham, West Newbury, and York, ME). Some come as far as New Hampshire and suburban Boston. If Clark is the right fight for the student, parents make the commitment to travel or arrange carpools.

Clark School offers three transportation routes: from North Andover, Beverly/Salem/Swampscott, Danvers/Lynnfield/Burlington and Methuen/Amesbury/Haverhill. Our van stops at one central location per town on each of the four routes. Routes and associated costs are subject to change. Transportation pricing can be found here.

Clark School teachers are available for hire for extra tutoring during the school year or over the summer. We also offer office hours, for no additional fee, where students are invited to complete their homework after school with a teacher’s guidance.

Yes, Clark School offers financial aid to families that qualify through the FAST application form. Tuition, financial aid and financing information can be found here.

Parent involvement is not required, but we offer many opportunities to get involved in the school as much or as little as your schedule allows. We have a Parent Advisory Committee (Parents@Clark, aka P@C) that is always looking for new parents to join and help with social and fundraising efforts.

Clark School does not have a cafeteria. Students must bring their own lunch everyday and eat in their classrooms with friends. High School Seniors may earn the privilege to go off campus for lunch.

Clark School offers rolling admissions so you can apply at any time that's right for you and your student! Email the Admissions Office or call 978-777-4699 ext. 112 to learn more!